Optimization of diatom (Skeletonema costatum) production in vertically stacked horizontal tubular photobioreactors
Skeletonema costatum is a very important algae in the cultivation of shellfish. In the Netherlands the diatom species is mainly used as feed for juvenile (hatchery phase) and as a refinement diet for market sized shellfish.
As a part of the RAAK Pro RAAQUA (Robust algae production for aquaculture) project, three photobioreactors, each with an effective volume of 200L, are situated in the SEAlab’s greenhouse since October 2015. The photobioreactors will be used for large scale experiments to optimize the cultivation (quantity and quality) of Skeletonema costatum and Rhodomonas baltica.
As soon as the reactors were operational, several experiments were conducted with Rhodomonas baltica. In this research we are asking you to develop a cultivation plan for Skeletonema costatum. You are going to work with the photobioreactors to measure and determine the biomass production under certain preconditions (temperature/pH/culture medium).
Research type: literature study, experiments (HZ, Vlissingen)
Research level: minor / internship / final thesis (BSc./MSc. level)
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology/chemistry; good analytical skills; communicative
Partners: Wageningen UR, several Small and Medium (Aquaculture) Enterprises, national and international knowledge partners, Centre of Expertise Delta Technology
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jasper van Houcke)
